A method and apparatus for creating and using a base station almanac for position determination is described. The base station almanac includes a number of records, where each record can describe a sector or a transmitter (e.g., a base station or a repeater) in a wireless communication network. Each record includes a protocol type field that indicates the one or more protocols supported by the record (e.g., IS-801, J-STD-36, GSM, W-CDMA, and so on). Each record also includes a unique sector identifier for the sector/transmitter for each supported protocol, where each identifier is defined based on the associated protocol. A record may also include multiple maximum antenna ranges (MARs), where each MAR is associated with a respective reference power level. One of the multiple MARs can be selected for use for position determination depending on received signal strength. The base station almanac further includes other features.
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1. A method of using a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, comprising: storing, in a single record of the base station almanac, at least two data values for a single attribute of a single transmitting entity, wherein each of the at least two data values is stored in a respective instance or part of a field in the single record of the single transmitting entity; and using the at least two data values in the field of the record for position determination for wireless terminals in the wireless communication network.
A method for determining the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The almanac stores information about transmitters (base stations, repeaters). A single record in the almanac for a single transmitter contains multiple data values for a single characteristic of that transmitter. These multiple values are stored in separate parts of a field within the record. For example, a record might store multiple radio frequencies for a single base station in a list inside a dedicated frequency field. These multiple data values are then used to help locate wireless devices in the network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two data values are for at least two identifiers for the single transmitting entity.
The method of determining location using a base station almanac as described above, where the multiple data values stored for a single transmitter are multiple identifiers for that transmitter. This allows the system to store and use different IDs for the same base station, potentially under different communication protocols (e.g., GSM, WCDMA).
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two data values are for a function used to estimate coverage area of the single transmitting entity.
The method of determining location using a base station almanac as described above, where the multiple data values stored for a single transmitter relate to a function used to estimate the coverage area of that transmitter. For example, different parameters for a propagation model could be stored allowing for refined estimation of a transmitter's signal range.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two data values are for at least two maximum antenna ranges (MARs) for the single transmitting entity.
The method of determining location using a base station almanac as described above, where the multiple data values stored for a single transmitter are multiple Maximum Antenna Ranges (MARs) for that transmitter. This allows the system to store different estimated ranges for the same transmitter under different conditions.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two data values are for at least two frequencies used by the single transmitting entity.
The method of determining location using a base station almanac as described above, where the multiple data values stored for a single transmitter are multiple radio frequencies used by that transmitter.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the record further includes a calibration value for each of the at least two frequencies.
A system and method for calibrating and analyzing signals across multiple frequencies involves generating and processing signals at two or more distinct frequencies to improve measurement accuracy. The method includes capturing signal data at these frequencies and storing the data in a record. Each frequency in the record is associated with a calibration value, which compensates for variations in signal response due to hardware or environmental factors. The calibration values are applied to the captured data to correct distortions, ensuring precise signal analysis. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-frequency signal integrity, such as telecommunications, radar systems, or medical imaging, where accurate signal representation is critical. By incorporating calibration values for each frequency, the system enhances reliability and reduces errors in signal processing tasks. The method may also involve comparing calibrated signals to reference values or thresholds to detect anomalies or validate performance. The calibration process can be automated or adjusted dynamically based on real-time conditions, improving adaptability in varying operational environments.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: storing, in a single entry of the single record, attributes for the at least two data values.
The method of determining location using a base station almanac as described above, further including storing attributes for the multiple data values within the same record. This allows the system to store metadata alongside the data values, such as units, accuracy, or measurement context. For example, alongside the frequency data values, it would also store the bandwidth for each frequency.
8. A method of using a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, comprising: storing, in a single record of the base station almanac, at least two maximum antenna ranges (MARs) for a single transmitting entity associated with the single record wherein each of the at least two MARs is associated with a respective reference power level, and wherein each MAR is indicative of a geographic area within which a wireless terminal is expected to be located if received signal strength measured by the wireless terminal for the single transmitting entity meets or exceeds the reference power level associated with the MAR; and using the at least two MARs for position determination for wireless terminals in the wireless communication network.
A method for determining the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The almanac stores, for each transmitter, at least two Maximum Antenna Ranges (MARs), where each MAR is associated with a different reference power level. A MAR indicates the geographical area a wireless terminal is likely located within if the signal strength from the transmitter meets or exceeds the reference power level associated with that MAR. The method uses these multiple MARs to determine the location of wireless terminals. For instance, a lower power threshold will create a smaller MAR circle than a high power threshold.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising: obtaining an estimated MAR based on the at least two MARs, wherein the estimated MAR is used for position determination.
The method of using multiple Maximum Antenna Ranges (MARs) for location determination as described above, further including obtaining an *estimated* MAR based on the stored MARs, and using this estimated MAR to determine the wireless terminal's position. This allows for a more refined position estimate than using a single MAR value.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: selecting one of the at least two MARs based on received signal strength measured by a wireless terminal for the single transmitting entity, wherein the estimated MAR is equal to the selected MAR.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) based on stored MARs as described above, further including selecting one of the stored MARs based on the signal strength received by the wireless terminal. In this case, the estimated MAR is simply equal to the selected MAR.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the estimated MAR is obtained by interpolating between the at least two MARs.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) based on stored MARs as described above, where the estimated MAR is obtained by interpolating between the stored MAR values. This allows for a more precise estimation of the MAR based on the received signal strength.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the estimated MAR is obtained by curve fitting the at least two MARs.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) based on stored MARs as described above, where the estimated MAR is obtained by performing curve fitting on the stored MAR values. This allows for a non-linear relationship between signal strength and estimated MAR.
13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: estimating a coverage area for the transmitting entity based on the estimated MAR.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) for location determination as described above, further including estimating the coverage area of the transmitting entity based on the estimated MAR.
14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: deriving a position estimate for the wireless terminal based on the estimated MAR.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) for location determination as described above, further including deriving a position estimate for the wireless terminal based on the estimated MAR.
15. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: providing assistance data for the wireless terminal based on the estimated MAR, wherein the assistance data is used by the wireless terminal to search for and process satellite signals.
The method of using an estimated Maximum Antenna Range (MAR) for location determination as described above, further including providing assistance data to the wireless terminal based on the estimated MAR. This assistance data is used by the wireless terminal to search for and process satellite signals, improving location accuracy and speed.
16. A method of using a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, comprising: storing an enclosed space indicator for each of a plurality of records of the base station almanac, wherein the enclosed space indicator for each record indicates whether a transmitting entity described by the record is associated with an enclosed environment; and using the enclosed space indicators for the plurality of records for position determination of a wireless terminal in a wireless communication network by selectively omitting a search for satellite signals based upon whether the enclosed space indicator for a given record among the plurality of records indicates an enclosed environment for a given transmitting entity associated with the wireless terminal.
A method for determining the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The almanac stores an "enclosed space indicator" for each transmitter (base station, repeater). This indicator specifies whether the transmitter is located in an enclosed environment (e.g., inside a building). When locating a wireless device, the system uses these indicators to selectively omit searching for satellite signals. If a nearby transmitter is marked as being inside, the system may skip satellite signal search assuming they will be unavailable, improving location speed.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: identifying the given transmitting entity for a signal received by the wireless terminal; retrieving the given record in the base station almanac for the given transmitting entity; and performing position determination for the wireless terminal using the enclosed space indicator for the retrieved record.
This invention relates to wireless positioning systems, specifically improving location accuracy for wireless terminals in enclosed spaces. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately determining a wireless terminal's position when it is inside a building or other enclosed area, where traditional positioning methods like GPS are less effective. The solution involves using a base station almanac that includes records for transmitting entities, where each record contains an enclosed space indicator. When a wireless terminal receives a signal, the system identifies the transmitting entity, retrieves the corresponding record from the almanac, and uses the enclosed space indicator to refine position determination. The enclosed space indicator helps distinguish whether the terminal is in an open or enclosed environment, allowing the system to apply appropriate positioning techniques. The method ensures more reliable location tracking in challenging indoor environments by leveraging pre-stored information about transmitting entities and their associated spatial contexts. This approach enhances accuracy without requiring additional hardware or complex signal processing.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising: reporting the wireless terminal to be in an enclosed environment if indicated by the enclosed space indicator for the retrieved record.
The method of using an enclosed space indicator for location determination as described above, further including reporting that the wireless terminal is in an enclosed environment if the enclosed space indicator for the retrieved record indicates an enclosed environment.
19. A position determination system comprising: a storage unit for storing an enclosed space indicator for each of a plurality of records of the base station almanac, wherein the enclosed space indicator for each record indicates whether a transmitting entity described by the record is associated with an enclosed environment; and a controller operative to use the enclosed space indicators for the plurality of records for position determination of a wireless terminal in a wireless communication network by selectively omitting a search for satellite signals based upon whether the enclosed space indicator for a given record among the plurality of records indicates an enclosed environment for a given transmitting entity associated with the wireless terminal.
A system for determining the location of a wireless device. The system includes a storage unit that stores a base station almanac. Each record in the almanac has an "enclosed space indicator" specifying whether the transmitter is located in an enclosed environment. A controller uses these indicators to selectively omit searching for satellite signals. If a nearby transmitter is marked as being inside, the system may skip satellite signal search assuming they will be unavailable, improving location speed.
20. A position determination system configured to use a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, comprising: a storage unit configured to store, in a single record of the base station almanac, at least two data values for a single attribute of a single transmitting entity, wherein each of the at least two data values is stored in a respective instance or part of a field in the single record of the single transmitting entity; and a controller configured to use the at least two data values in the field of the record for position determination for wireless terminals in the wireless communication network.
A system for determining the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The almanac stores information about transmitters. A single record in the almanac for a single transmitter contains multiple data values for a single characteristic of that transmitter. These multiple values are stored in separate parts of a field within the record. A controller uses these multiple data values to help locate wireless devices in the network.
21. A position determination system configured to use a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, comprising: means for storing, in a single record of the base station almanac, at least two data values for a single attribute of a single transmitting entity, wherein each of the at least two data values is stored in a respective instance or part of a field in the single record of the single transmitting entity; and means for using the at least two data values in the field of the record for position determination for wireless terminals in the wireless communication network.
A system for determining the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The system includes a means for storing a base station almanac. Each record in the almanac for a single transmitter contains multiple data values for a single characteristic of that transmitter, stored in separate parts of a field. The system also includes a means for using these multiple data values to help locate wireless devices in the network.
22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a position determination system configured to use a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, cause the position determination system to perform actions, the instructions comprising: program code to store, in a single record of the base station almanac, at least two data values for a single attribute of a single transmitting entity, wherein each of the at least two data values is stored in a respective instance or part of a field in the single record of the single transmitting entity; and program code to use the at least two data values in the field of the record for position determination for wireless terminals in the wireless communication network.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory, disk) stores instructions that, when executed by a system, cause the system to determine the location of a wireless device using a base station almanac. The instructions cause the system to store, in a single record of the almanac, multiple data values for a single attribute of a transmitter, with each value stored separately within a field. The instructions also cause the system to use these multiple data values for position determination.
23. A position determination system comprising: means for storing an enclosed space indicator for each of a plurality of records of the base station almanac, wherein the enclosed space indicator for each record indicates whether a transmitting entity described by the record is associated with an enclosed environment; and means for using the enclosed space indicators for the plurality of records for position determination of a wireless terminal in a wireless communication network by selectively omitting a search for satellite signals based upon whether the enclosed space indicator for a given record among the plurality of records indicates an enclosed environment for a given transmitting entity associated with the wireless terminal.
A system for determining the location of a wireless device. The system includes a means for storing a base station almanac. Each record in the almanac has an "enclosed space indicator" specifying whether the transmitter is located in an enclosed environment. The system includes a means for using these indicators to selectively omit searching for satellite signals. If a nearby transmitter is marked as being inside, the system may skip satellite signal search improving location speed.
24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a position determination system configured to use a base station almanac for position determination in a wireless communication network, cause the position determination system to perform actions, the instructions comprising: program code to store an enclosed space indicator for each of a plurality of records of the base station almanac, wherein the enclosed space indicator for each record indicates whether a transmitting entity described by the record is associated with an enclosed environment; and program code to use the enclosed space indicators for the plurality of records for position determination of a wireless terminal in a wireless communication network by selectively omitting a search for satellite signals based upon whether the enclosed space indicator for a given record among the plurality of records indicates an enclosed environment for a given transmitting entity associated with the wireless terminal.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory, disk) stores instructions that, when executed by a system, cause the system to determine the location of a wireless device. The instructions cause the system to store an "enclosed space indicator" for each record in the base station almanac. This indicator specifies if a transmitter is in an enclosed environment. The instructions also cause the system to use these indicators to selectively omit searching for satellite signals, potentially speeding up location by skipping satellite search indoors.
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August 8, 2006
September 10, 2013
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